Welcome to this edition of
California Mountain Adventures!!
In this adventure I climb through the snow to the summit of
Galena Peak!
Galena Peak(9,324') is the highest peak on the Yucaipa Ridge and it lies just south of the San Gorgonio Wildernessand the highest peak in southern California Mt. San Gorgonio. This was going to be a long (12-13 miles in the snow) hike and the days are short so I got going pretty early and drove up highway 38 to the Vivian creek trailhead in the town of Forest Falls. But instead of taking the Vivian creek trail I headed cross country up Mill Creek canyon. Mill Creek canyon is a massive canyon filled with big trees and waterfalls and surrounded by huge cliffs and peaks. And with the fresh snow sitting on all the cliff ledges and tree branches I was in a "winter wonderland"!
Hiking up the canyon
Looking up at some of the wild cliffs
Approaching the Mill Creek Jumpoff
After a few miles I reached the headwall at the upper end of the canyon. I strapped on my crampons and made the climb up the steep slope. At the top I reached the saddle known as the "Mill Creek Jumpoff" which divides Mill creek and the South Fork Whitewater river. From there it was a long steep climb up the northeast ridge to the summit. As I climbed the views got better and better.
Looking back across Mill Creek canyon from the Jumpoff
Zoom in on Mt. Baldy and the eastern San Gabriel mountains
Looking off the east side of the Jumpoff
Galena Peak from the Jumpoff
The day was just absolutely beautiful and the snow conditions were great. I arrived at the summit and signed the summit register. Then I continued along the summit ridge to the "west summit" of Galena where the best views are! I ate my lunch there and then just kicked back and enjoyed the stunning views for quite awhile. Personally I think Galena peak just might be one of the most scenic peaks in Southern California. After thoroughly enjoying my time on the summit I headed back down the way I came. Down the northeast ridge to the Jumpoff and then back down Mill creek to the trailhead at Forest Falls.
Mt. San Jacinto from Galena peak
The ridge to the west summit of Galena
Overlooking Mill Creek canyon from the west summit
The Yucaipa Ridge and the valley below
Sunset on my way back down Mill creek
And that's it for this California mountain adventure!
*all photos by @derekrichardson
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